The warehouse like space has moody grey walls and polished concrete floors which put the focus on the greenery housed in pink crochet pots and flourescent signs proclaiming “Let them eat croissants”.

Inside Gontran Cherrier

The main drawcard here is the pastry cabinet with an amazing array of goodies from simple croissants to beautifully layered mille feuille. But in a first for Gontran Cherrier, the Collingwood boulangerie also offers a full cafe menu with sweet and savoury breakfast and lunch options.

There’s more than croissants on offer at Gontran Cherrier

I don’t think I’ve seen a better take on humble egg and bacon bun ($10) than Gontran Cherrier’s. Here the egg and bacon is served up in a dramatic jet black bun made using squid ink and heat is added with some squirts of siracha mayonnaise. You’ll be licking your fingers to devour every last bit of this.

The squid ink egg and bacon bun

I wasn’t as impressed with the bruléed French toast ($12). While the toast itself was perfectly gooey and crispy the accompanying créme anglais and poached rhubarb were pretty light on leaving me to eat most of the toast unadorned. I’d be happy to pay more for a more generous serving.

French toast at Gontran Cherrier

I’m happy to report the croissants are spot on: both light and buttery. Order in store and they are served slightly warmed. Gontran Cherrier’s pain au chocolat is crisp with soft layers of pastry inside and a hit of dark, sweet chocolate. The must order is the almond croissant with its sweet creamy filling and crunchy exterior: truly a work of art.

Almond croissant at Gontran Cherrier

This is Melbourne so Gontran Cherrier also offers up a range of St Ali coffees and creamy sweet chai lattes (my current obsession). While homegrown Lune may have my heart the excellent brekky and brunch offerings and the lack of queues at Gontran Cherrier means it’s going to be my go to place for a pastry fix. Welcome to Melbourne Monsieur Cherrier!